Related Links

Robert Rosenberg: North Port's failing economic health

Published: Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 1:00 a.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 15, 2013 at 3:04 p.m.

The economic vitality of North Port is something we all should be interested in because it affects every aspect of our lives.

According to Wikipedia, "Economic development generally refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policymakers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area." It goes on to say, "Community usually refers to a social unit larger than a small village that shares common values," and to say of policy-makers: "A politician, political leader, or political figure (from the Classical Greek 'polis') is a person who is involved in influencing public policy and decision-making."

The North Port Economic Development Corp. concurs with these definitions. The question is: Does the city of North Port?

Recently a series of actions by the city's elected officials makes one wonder:

1. The decision to abandon the Invitation to Negotiate process for Warm Mineral Springs sends a message that the city leaders are not interested in hearing recommendations from qualified individuals on the potential economic future of Warm Mineral Springs and its role in the city's economic development plans.

2. The decision to sell Warm Mineral Springs, without a plan to do so, put over 40 jobs in jeopardy with over $700,000 in payroll, much of which finds its way back to the local merchants in the city.

3. Suggesting that Warm Mineral Springs be a park says that the expense of managing that will fall on the city residents in the form of taxes and liabilities.

4. The discussion about dissolving the city's Business and Economic Development Advisory Board and removing the current volunteer business leaders makes one wonder about the wisdom of the commission being advised by non-business people on the economic future of the city.

5. The public position of the commission about no public/private partnerships will put a number of current community assets at risk, including the YMCA and the North Port Art Center, to name a few. It should be noted that public/private partnerships work in many cases throughout the country. While some do not, it is foolish to abandon the concept altogether.

6. The assumption by some commissioners that, because they pay dues to an organization, the organization's minutes are open to the public could result in many organizations losing members and supporters. Governments join many organizations throughout this country, and this does not appear to be an issue anywhere else. Not being involved only promotes disengagement between the city and the community.

7. The decision to cancel a study on waste transfer will result in no clear direction on the future of waste management as the city grows. While the potential sites may not be appropriate, the study could have offered much needed insight into the future of waste management for the city.

All of this has happened in the first four months of the current commission, and it makes one wonder what impact the next 20 to 44 months of the commissioners' terms will have on the city's economic vitality.

The North Port Economic Development Corp. has extended an invitation to the commissioners to participate in our plans to introduce 1,700 high-paying jobs in the city, and it has fallen on deaf ears.

One of the commissioners did not have time to meet with us until the end of February, and another has informed us she will not have an opening until April, with no date suggested. One set up a meeting and did not even show up for it or respond to follow-up calls to reschedule. One has met with us to discuss her plans for Warm Mineral Springs (which essentially calls for selling the city's portion or creating a park). The other has met with us numerous times to discuss the economic future of the city, and, while we do not always agree with his position, meaningful discussions are taking place, some of which have resulted in positive actions.

It appears that most of our elected officials are moving toward a cost-cutting strategy for North Port versus an investment strategy. This majority seems more intent on dismantling the positive economic engines and resources we have than on building on these strengths and resources.

The North Port Economic Development Corp. is constantly polling the public on economic issues, and the consistent response is that the public wants a strong economic future for the city (one poll even indicated that citizens were willing to pay for it).

The private sector sees a strong and vibrant economic future for North Port that will put a significant number of residents to work, improve the quality of life for its residents and improve property values in North Port. We believe it will happen because of the dedication, tenacity and vision of the residents of North Port. It would be wonderful if the "policy makers" shared that vision and participated in the process.

We strongly advise the city's elected officials to get serious about economic development. The health, welfare and vitality of our great city, now and in the future, depend on it.

<p>The economic vitality of North Port is something we all should be interested in because it affects every aspect of our lives.</p><p>According to Wikipedia, "Economic development generally refers to the sustained, concerted actions of policymakers and communities that promote the standard of living and economic health of a specific area." It goes on to say, "Community usually refers to a social unit larger than a small village that shares common values," and to say of policy-makers: "A politician, political leader, or political figure (from the Classical Greek 'polis') is a person who is involved in influencing public policy and decision-making."</p><p>The North Port Economic Development Corp. concurs with these definitions. The question is: Does the city of North Port?</p><p>Recently a series of actions by the city's elected officials makes one wonder:</p><p>1. The decision to abandon the Invitation to Negotiate process for Warm Mineral Springs sends a message that the city leaders are not interested in hearing recommendations from qualified individuals on the potential economic future of Warm Mineral Springs and its role in the city's economic development plans.</p><p>2. The decision to sell Warm Mineral Springs, without a plan to do so, put over 40 jobs in jeopardy with over $700,000 in payroll, much of which finds its way back to the local merchants in the city.</p><p>3. Suggesting that Warm Mineral Springs be a park says that the expense of managing that will fall on the city residents in the form of taxes and liabilities.</p><p>4. The discussion about dissolving the city's Business and Economic Development Advisory Board and removing the current volunteer business leaders makes one wonder about the wisdom of the commission being advised by non-business people on the economic future of the city.</p><p>5. The public position of the commission about no public/private partnerships will put a number of current community assets at risk, including the YMCA and the North Port Art Center, to name a few. It should be noted that public/private partnerships work in many cases throughout the country. While some do not, it is foolish to abandon the concept altogether.</p><p>6. The assumption by some commissioners that, because they pay dues to an organization, the organization's minutes are open to the public could result in many organizations losing members and supporters. Governments join many organizations throughout this country, and this does not appear to be an issue anywhere else. Not being involved only promotes disengagement between the city and the community.</p><p>7. The decision to cancel a study on waste transfer will result in no clear direction on the future of waste management as the city grows. While the potential sites may not be appropriate, the study could have offered much needed insight into the future of waste management for the city.</p><p>All of this has happened in the first four months of the current commission, and it makes one wonder what impact the next 20 to 44 months of the commissioners' terms will have on the city's economic vitality.</p><p>The North Port Economic Development Corp. has extended an invitation to the commissioners to participate in our plans to introduce 1,700 high-paying jobs in the city, and it has fallen on deaf ears.</p><p>One of the commissioners did not have time to meet with us until the end of February, and another has informed us she will not have an opening until April, with no date suggested. One set up a meeting and did not even show up for it or respond to follow-up calls to reschedule. One has met with us to discuss her plans for Warm Mineral Springs (which essentially calls for selling the city's portion or creating a park). The other has met with us numerous times to discuss the economic future of the city, and, while we do not always agree with his position, meaningful discussions are taking place, some of which have resulted in positive actions.</p><p>It appears that most of our elected officials are moving toward a cost-cutting strategy for North Port versus an investment strategy. This majority seems more intent on dismantling the positive economic engines and resources we have than on building on these strengths and resources.</p><p>The North Port Economic Development Corp. is constantly polling the public on economic issues, and the consistent response is that the public wants a strong economic future for the city (one poll even indicated that citizens were willing to pay for it).</p><p>The private sector sees a strong and vibrant economic future for North Port that will put a significant number of residents to work, improve the quality of life for its residents and improve property values in North Port. We believe it will happen because of the dedication, tenacity and vision of the residents of North Port. It would be wonderful if the "policy makers" shared that vision and participated in the process.</p><p>We strongly advise the city's elected officials to get serious about economic development. The health, welfare and vitality of our great city, now and in the future, depend on it.</p><p>Robert Rosenberg chairs the North Port Economic Development Corp.</p>